Antony Gormley

British sculptor Antony Gormley is known around the world for his figurative sculptures. His series titled Another Place, features 100 cast iron sculptures and has turned Crosby Beach, UK into a tourist attraction. Originally, Gormley's pieces were installed on different beaches in Germany, Norway, and Belgium and were scheduled to make a move to New York after their display in England. They never made it to New York, but officially settled in the Merseyside coastline. Now, they still stand in the sand, weathered and worn by the sea.

The permanent UK installation consists of 100 life-size figures of men reaching over 6', weighing over 1,400 lbs. and spread over a 2 mile stretch between Waterloo and Blundellsands. The figures, which are casts of the artist's own body, are scattered about the beach, facing out to the sea. Altogether, the installed sculptures serve to represent the shared sentiments of emigrants who are sad to leave their country but hopeful of their future in a new land. The figures are smaller, but eerily reminiscent of the Easter Island figures facing out to sea.

Lawyer Thoughts

Washington D.C. has about 277 lawyers for every 10,000 residents. This is nearly 14 times more lawyers per 10,000 than any other state in the United States.

New York has the second most lawyers per capita.

The lowest lawyer rate per capita is North Dakota with about 4 lawyers per 10,000 people. I think we should move the capital to North Dakota.

Six China Facts

China's economy grew 316% vs. 43% in the US, during the past ten years.
85% of artificial Christmas trees in the US are made in China.
80% of Christmas toys in the US are made in China.
China raises more pigs than the next 43 pig growing countries combined.
US fastest high speed train is half fast compared to China's, 150 to 302mph.
During the next 15 years, China will build enough new skyscrapers to fill ten New York size cities.

Bacon Palooza

Sorry I missed that one. A few weeks ago in New York, an event was held. It was billed as a “Meaty” FUNDRAISER TO HELP KIDS WITH AUTISM!' and “The Power of Bacon has been harnessed for the Forces of Good!” Come on, admit it. We all share the goodness of bacon.

MMM - They even had a bacon eating contest.

Tax Cuts

In the unkindest cut of all, New York state is now imposing a tax on cuts. A recent audit by the state Department of Taxation and Finance (DTF) slammed 33 Bruegger's Bagels franchises for failing to charge sales tax on sliced bagels. Unsliced bagels are exempt.

The audit also found that Bruegger’s failed to charge tax on meals consumed on the premises.
The state slapped the owner with a hefty bill for back taxes and demanded that he begin collecting. That is not a tax cut, it is a tax on cuts. Maybe Bruegger's should pass out knives for patrons to cut their own taxes by cutting their own bagels.